How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[Treelore] even start writing his own book, bout being a colored man living and working in Mississippi. (1.8)
Like Aibileen, Treelore was a dedicated writer. Unlike Aibileen, he's killed before he can use his writing to make a difference in the world around him.
Quote #2
I been writing my prayers since junior high. (2.125)
The Help celebrates writing as a powerful way to create change. This point is subtly reinforced by the fact that Aibileen's written prayers are especially effective. This line also shows us that Aibileen is a practiced and disciplined writer well before she starts working on Help.
Quote #3
Don't waste your time on obvious things. Write about what disturbs you; particularly if it seems to bother no one else. (6.8)
Skeeter takes Elaine Stein's advice extremely seriously and hits on a taboo topic – the experiences of the black women who work for the white families in town, in (mostly) their own words.
Quote #4
"He read this book called Invisible Man. When he done, he says he gone write down what it was like to be colored working for a white man in Mississippi." (6.181)
Treelore was inspired to write by Ralph Ellison's classic novel, Invisible Man. Skeeter gets the idea for the book that eventually becomes Help after hearing about his book from Aibileen.
Quote #5
We all know about these laws, but we don't talk about them. This is the first time I've ever seen them written down. (13.89)
The Jim Crow laws Skeeter pilfers from the library show the darker side of the written word.
Quote #6
"We ain't… we ain't doing civil rights here. We just telling stories like they really happen." (14.169)
Although Aibileen herself finds writing the most effective way to tell stories, she's also alluding to the importance of oral storytelling.
Quote #7
"I'll write it down. Give me a few days. I'll tell you everything that happened to Constantine." (27.69)
Aibileen first works the story out in writing. She delivers the first part of the story of Constantine orally, but she can only deliver the worst parts to Skeeter in written form. Writing is way for Aibileen to "speak" the unspeakable.
Quote #8
Be the prettiest book I ever seen. The cover is pale blue, color a the sky. And a big white bird – a peace dove – spreads its wings from end to end. (29.49)
The Help argues that books can bring peace in society. Do you agree?
Quote #9
Me? Working for the white newspaper? I go to the sofa and open the notebook, see them letters and articles from past times. Miss Skeeter set beside me. (34.108)
We love this moment from the end of the novel. Since Aibileen has been answering the Miss Myrna letters all along, it's particularly sweet to see her be officially hired for the job – at the same pay rate as Skeeter.